Dürer Path, stage 2: Pochi di Salorno - Lago Santo lake - Bolzano and surroundings

The second stage of the Dürer Path to the Holy Lake (Lago Santo) represents a demanding day tour for hikers with good stamina

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Between Salorno (Salurn) and Pochi (Buchholz) the path with the signpost “AD” branches off on the right towards south.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The Dürer Path leads uphill past some houses and farmsteads. The view opens up on the Valle dell’Adige valley and the town of Bolzano - a swampy impassable area in former times, nowadays, however, the landscape is characterised by vineyards and fruit orchards and the villages in between.
Foto: AT, © Peer
This section follows a wide and pleasant path, but there are also some narrow and steep sections.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The trail proceeds over some brooks, e.g. in the Kaltenbachtal valley.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Walking uphill through the beech forest.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The Passo Sauch pass with the eponymous mountain hut is located at 915 m a.s.l.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Also an ornithological watch centre for migratory birds can be found near the mountain pass.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The last section snakes its way steeply uphill to the Lago Santo (Holy Lake). If you want to shorten this hike, you can follow the road into the Val di Cembra valley and turn back by means of public transport.
Foto: AT, © Peer

South of Pochi and along the main road between Salorno and this hamlet a single track with Dürer's anagram "AD" branches off on the right. It represents the starting point of this second stage of the Dürer Path leading via the Passo Sauch pass to the Lago Santo (Holy Lake) high above the Val di Cembra valley in the Trentino. As an alternative, you can start directly in Pochi - doing so, the route will be extended by 2 km each direction. The Dürer Path proceeds past some farmsteads uphill, varying between a hiking path, a stone paved cart track and a forest road. It leads further on through a beech forest to the Passo Sauch pass at 915 m a.s.l., most of the ascent is done by now.

After a stop at the Rif. Sauch mountain hut the trail continues towards the Lago Santo (Holy Lake), a beautiful mountain lake in the forest high above the Cembra Valley, which reflects the snow-capped peaks of the Lagorai Group in its waters. The way back follows the same trail and is - with more than 2 hours walking time - quite long. The tour overcomes an altitude difference of 810 m and a distance of 14.8 km and is therefore recommended for hikers with good stamina, but it fascinates with its beautiful and rare landscapes along the way. The hike can also be done in spring and autumn.

Author: AT

difficulty: moderate route with lake